Sierra Rioux
Last spring, fashion student Ezmerelda Perez went to Paris for a semester, and the experience changed her.
Since she first applied to Dominican, Perez had her eyes on the Paris study abroad program.
She had traveled abroad before, but the trips had been to Mexico with her family. She wanted an experience that would push her out of her comfort zone.
“I was able to learn about myself and the person I want to be by placing myself out of my normal environment,” she said.
In the beginning of her junior year, Perez began the process by applying to the Paris American Academy.
The academy is located in the Paris Latin Quarter, which less than a mile from the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It provides a world-class education to international students in the domains of fashion, interior design, fine arts, and creative writing.
Perez encountered problems throughout the application process, specifically when the French consulate in Chicago mishandled her documents for her student visa.
However, it was worth it when she arrived in Paris on Jan. 13.
“I felt surreal [because] I couldn’t believe I was there,” she said.
Perez traveled with one other Dominican student who also majored in fashion merchandising. The pair roomed together in an apartment provided by the school.
Culture shock and language barriers were some of the new challenges Perez faced. She had never taken a French class in her life but exposed herself to the language before the trip.
“Before I left for abroad, I listened to French music and got used to the language,” she explained.
Perez has worked numerous fashion shows in Chicago as a dresser prior to her trip. In Paris, she worked backstage at the Dawei Studio Show.
“The aura felt more intense and professional,” she said.
Paris American Academy offers opportunities for students to work backstage at fashion shows, but must sign a contract to participate.
All classes at the academy were provided instruction in English, except for her French class. However, not all the experiences were related to study.
“When I went to the beach in Italy, sitting on the sand and looking at the ocean, I realized there is more to life than school,” she said.
Nan Metzger, director of study abroad programs, said when students study abroad, they “often develop the types of soft skills that employers.”
“When you step away from your whole environment, you’re on your terms,” she explained. “One of the biggest challenges that students face when pursuing study abroad is finance.”
Metzger highlighted several scholarship opportunities for study abroad such as the ExcEL Scholarship and other major-specific funds.
Students are charged the same Dominican tuition as well as student fee, a tech fee, and a $1000 study abroad program fee.
Perez said she recommends study abroad for other students.
Gabby Thawley, a junior majoring in fashion design, is applying to the academy for the spring semester and hopes to have plenty of horizon-broadening experiences.
“I really want to challenge myself with my learning differences and be in a different setting,” she said.
For Perez, her four months in Europe were a life changing experience.
“A beautiful experience that I never thought was possible,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful.”
For more information on study abroad programs, please visit the Office for Global Learning website.
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